Namaste Kingston hosted its annual Diwali Utsav 2024 at The Kingston Academy on October 19th, drawing a diverse crowd of families and community members. The vibrant event celebrated Indian culture and was attended by notable guests, including Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston – Liz Green, Sir Ed Davey (MP for Kingston & Surbiton and Leader of the Liberal Democrats), and Sarah Olney (MP for Richmond Park).
Shraddha Ballal welcomed the dignitaries and shared the story behind Namaste Kingston’s inception. Established in September 2023, Namaste Kingston is a community organisation which aims to build a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates cultural diversity, supports local businesses, and fosters artistic talent.
The Diwali celebrations began with the dignitaries lighting traditional divas, followed by captivating performances including Kathak dance based Ganesh Vandana by Vishvadhika Singh, Tabla by Neal Hemnani, Carnatic vocals by Avyaya Iyer, and a group dance by students from Teen Taal Kathak Institute. Energetic Bollywood acts later in the evening had the audience dancing along, while children enjoyed Diwali-themed arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Over 40 small businesses showcased their products, alongside stalls of traditional Indian cuisine and art, enhancing the cultural experience.
In their opening remarks, the Mayor of Kingston expressed their admiration for the unity and inclusivity that events like this foster within the community. They emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating cultural diversity, calling it one of the “many strengths that make Kingston a special place to live.” Sir Edward Davey and Sarah Olney echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the contributions of the South Asian community to the borough and applauding Namaste Kingston for organising such a vibrant event.
During the event, Namaste Kingston also launched Kingston 2025 Calendar, a uniquely curated calendar that captures Kingston through the lenses of the borough residen
Anshul Gupta led the volunteer awards, emphasizing the importance of ‘Seva’ (selfless service) in fostering community spirit. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Madhur Hemnani, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, guests, performers, and businesses for their support and commitment to building long-term collaborations. Supported by Kingston Council and Kingston Charitable Foundation, Namaste Kingston’s Diwali Utsav 2024 was a resounding success, spreading a message of unity, light, and cultural appreciation.
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Hindu cultural programmes around London and other cities add to the constant need of awareness among general and especially traditional British people. Such celebrations whether in Trafalgar Square or Chigwell bring that extra light and joy to the festivities.